Mkomazi National Park in Same, Kilimanjaro, became a hub of learning and conservation on September 22, 2025, as the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), in partnership with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), marked World Rhino Day.
The event brought together students from several schools to learn firsthand about rhino protection and the challenges facing these endangered species.
Senior Environmental Officer Mr. Francis Nyamhanga, representing NEMC’s Northern Zone Manager, emphasized the critical ecological and economic roles of rhinos.
“Rhinos maintain ecosystems by opening grazing paths for smaller animals and dispersing seeds through their dung, which enriches soil. They also attract tourists, contributing to national revenue,” he said.
TANAPA Conservation Officer Mr. Jackson Lyimo highlighted the authority’s efforts to educate communities through its ‘Friends of the Rhino’ program.
“Since July 2022, we have reached about 3,600 teachers and students from 120 schools, teaching them how rhinos are protected, bred, and reintroduced into the wild,” he said.
During the celebrations, students visited rhino habitats, interacted with conservation officers, and observed ongoing protection measures, gaining practical insights into wildlife conservation.
World Rhino Day, observed annually on September 22, aims to raise public awareness about the importance of protecting rhinos and curbing poaching.